Lean Problem Traversal Theory

At the core of Problem Traversal Theory is a new definition for problem and a framework for maximizing impact.

What is a problem?

A problem is when a sentient entity desires a thing to transition from a current state to a specific potential state.

Desire = problem

How to maximize impact?

1. Identify a problem
2. Clear the problem
3. Traverse the problem’s lineage
4. Repeat

1. Identify a problem

Pay attention to expressions of desire like “I want...”, “Susie needs...”, “Management thinks we should...”, “Customers want...”, etc. These are camouflaged problems in the wild.

Write one of these expressions down. Convert it into a problem using this formula:

Thing current state. Sentient entity wants thing to potential state.

ex. “The ball is red. John wants the ball to be pink.”

Question everything implicit and subjective about your problem and make it as explicit and objective as possible.

ex. “The ball is not pink. John wants the ball to be pink.” becomes “The ball is red. John wants the ball to be pink.”

ex. “The ball is ugly. John wants the ball to be pretty.” becomes “The ball is red. John wants the ball to be pink.”

2. Clear the problem

Clearing a problem is the act of eliminating the sentient entity’s desire. You do this by either disproving the sentient entity has the desire, replacing the desire, or implementing a solution that allows the thing to successfully transition to the new potential state the sentient entity desires.

How to disprove desire

Ask direct questions about the sentient entity’s desire.

ex. “John, do you want the ball to be pink?”, “Does John want the ball to be pink?”, etc.

If the sentient entity doesn’t have the desire in your problem, the problem is cleared.

How to replace desire

Persuade the sentient entity to shift their desire to something else that is a child problem to a common parent problem. This is selling.

*ex. John, would you want the ball to be purple?”

How to implement a solution

To be continued...

3. Traverse the problem’s lineage

What is traversing a problem’s lineage?

How to traverse a problem’s lineage?

4. Repeat